BMW 7-Series plug-in hybrid coming to India

The new BMW 7-Series which was showcased by the German manufacturer at 2019 Shanghai Auto Show in China is awaited for its launch in India. The new facelift BMW 7-Series was recently spotted being transported on a flatbed truck, most likely on its way for homologation. As reported earlier, the 2019 BMW 7-Series will be offered in petrol and diesel engine options. But it is being speculated that BMW will also launch a third variant, a Plug-In Hybrid option – the 745Le here in India.

The BMW 745Le will be the flagship model of the brand in India and will be available as a completely built unit (CBU) with a lot of advanced features and trim options. The BMW 745Le will be filled with luxurious options such as an individual four-seat layout with tables that will fold out of the central transmission tunnel for the rear seat occupants.

The BMW 745Le Plug-In Hybrid will be powered by a straight six-cylinder petrol engine producing 286 HP of power and 450 Nm of torque along with the 113 HP / 265 Nm from electric motor. The engine will produce a combined power of 394 HP and 600 Nm of peak torque. The power to electric motors will be provided from 12 kWh batteries which will be stored under the seats for a low centre of gravity. The batteries can power the car to a top speed of 110 kmph and provide a range of 55 km in the Electric-Only mode. The car will also come with a choice of ‘Integral Active Steering’ which is basically rear wheel steering, this will allow the 5.2-metre long car to easily maneuver in city traffic. The standard BMW 745Le will come with rear-wheel drive with a possibility of opting for the all-wheel-drive (xDrive) model as it is going to come via the CBU route.

The BMW 745Le is expected to be available with a more premium Bowers and Wilkins audio system and ceramic finish controls on the dashboard along with other luxurious interior features that BMW offers as part of the pack.

The other 2019 BMW 7-Series models are expected to come with two engine options:-

The 730Ld diesel with a 3-litre engine producing 262 HP of power and 620 Nm of torque.

The 740Li petrol with a 3-litre engine which produces 322 HP of power and 450 Nm of torque.

Both the engines are mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission sending its power to the rear wheels.

The BMW 745Le is likely to be priced at a premium as compared to the 730Ld and 740Li at more than INR 1.5 crore ex-showroom, India.